Knowledge Hoop

I’m sure that by now you’ve heard of the passing of Steve Jobs, Co-founder and CEO of Apple, Inc.  If you haven’t become familiar with his story, I urge you to “Google” him to learn more about his life’s journey.  Recently, a close friend mentioned the commencement speech he gave at Stanford University in 2005.  In his speech, he outlines things that he attributed to his success.  When you get an opportunity, listen to his speech; it’s time well spent.

You might be wondering what Steve Jobs has to do with bridging the wealth gap in the African American community.  While he was an extremely wealthy man, my intent is not to discuss the wealth he accumulated through his business ventures, but more so to discuss his will to achieve against the odds.  Unless you’re familiar with his story, most people would not assume that a first year college drop-out would be as accomplished as he was.

Often times, we have dreams or ideas that we’d like to pursue, but somehow life gets in the way.  Many of us may not have the liberty to pursue our entrepreneurial dream without working a full time job as well.  So how can you keep your “mojo” while navigating life’s twists and turns?  Please note that I am not professing to have all the answers, but I will offer up some lessons that I’ve learned from others that have achieved success in this area.  These are also the characteristics that I am embracing along my own journey.  The following are three key traits that will place you on the path to success:

1.       Be clear on what you want; get laser focused – There will always be competing priorities.  In the spirit of transparency, this is an area I’ve struggled in the most.  As soon as you think you’re set on a path, life will throw you a curve ball that can divert your focus.  People who are successful in pursuing their dreams are somewhat dogmatic when it comes to being laser focused in spite of life’s interruptions.  T. Harv Eker, author of Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, says it best, “The number one reason most people don’t get what they want is that they don’t know what they want.”

2.     Don’t underestimate life’s lessons – Your life will speak to you if you choose to listen.  We are often quick to observe and value someone else’s life lessons, but choose to devalue or minimize our own.  Steve Jobs referred to this as “connecting the dots.”  Take a moment and spend some time recalling your own journey – the successes and failures.  I guarantee you that in the midst of your track down memory lane, a common thread will exist and link you back to your purpose or that dream that once was a flame but may now resemble a flicker of light.  Make no mistake, there’s a lot that we can learn from observing others, but don’t stop there.  Your own life will speak the loudest if you listen.

3.     Simplify your life – Many times we stay stuck in the “rat race” because we are so busy trying to ‘keep up with the Joneses.’  If you really want to pursue your dream, you will be forced to make tough choices.  You may have to wait on the material possessions that you see others acquiring.  Don’t compare yourself to others.  A key to wealth accumulation is maintaining a high credit score, minimizing debt, and investing in assets.  It takes money to pursue most business endeavors, and in the beginning, you may have to invest in yourself before others will invest in your venture.  If you are overextended, you may not be able to see your vision come to fruition.  

Success is often accomplished by travelling the road less travelled.  It requires a confidence in self and a willingness to take risks.  Many of us work very hard in our chosen careers, but can become lukewarm when it comes to pursuing our own personal endeavors.  I have decided that I will no longer stand on the sidelines of life and admire others and their success; I will give my all to my own.  Won’t you join me?